How to Store Freeze-Dried Food
Store freeze-dried food in an airtight, moisture-proof container with an oxygen absorber, kept somewhere cool and dark. Controlling the four enemies — oxygen, moisture, light and heat — is what lets properly freeze-dried food stay good for many years.
Freeze drying removes the water that spoilage needs, but long shelf life still depends on good storage. Keep moisture and oxygen out and keep the food cool and dark, and freeze-dried food can remain safe and tasty for a very long time.
Oxygen
Oxygen slowly degrades fats, flavor and color. High-barrier packaging such as Mylar pouches or sealed jars, combined with an oxygen absorber, removes most of the oxygen and is key to long storage.
Moisture
Any moisture that gets back in undoes the whole process and invites spoilage. Containers must be truly airtight and moisture-proof, and food should be sealed promptly after drying, especially in humid climates.
Light and heat
Light fades color and breaks down nutrients, while heat speeds up every kind of degradation. A cool, dark cupboard or pantry is ideal; the cooler and steadier the temperature, the longer the food lasts.
Choosing containers
Mylar pouches with oxygen absorbers are excellent for long-term storage and retail. Airtight jars work well for food you will use sooner. Whatever you choose, label each container with its contents and the date it was packed.
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Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How long does properly stored freeze-dried food last?
When sealed with an oxygen absorber in high-barrier packaging and kept cool and dark, freeze-dried food can remain good for many years. Once a package is opened, use it within a few weeks.
Do I need oxygen absorbers?
For long-term storage, yes. Oxygen absorbers remove the oxygen that would otherwise slowly spoil fats and fade flavor and color, greatly extending shelf life.
Can I store freeze-dried food in the original bag after opening?
Once opened, reseal it as airtight as possible and use it within a few weeks. For longer keeping, transfer it to an airtight jar or reseal with a fresh oxygen absorber.